‘Banned chemical’: CPCB red-flags new ‘green’ crackers
The CSIR-NEERI and the Central Pollution Control Board are in conflict over the commercial production of new 'green' firecrackers. While CSIR-NEERI claims the new formulations significantly reduce pollution, the CPCB argues they still contain barium nitrate, which was explicitly banned by the Supreme Court.
Why it matters
This dispute highlights the ongoing tension between industrial innovation in the fireworks sector and strict environmental regulations aimed at curbing air pollution.
NEW DELHI: There is no unanimity on allowing commercial production of next-generation green firecrackers in the country, with two govt organisations taking contradictory stands in Supreme Court.Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) has approved the new formulations, stating that they reduce pollution levels by 40-60%. In contrast, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has objected, arguing that these crackers still contain barium nitrate - a chemical banned by the SC - and, therefore, cannot be permitted.The Centre had asked CSIR-NEERI to develop green/low-emission fireworks with pollution reduction of more than 50% in association with fireworks manufacturers.
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